Speculation mounting ahead of Budget 2015

  The Cabinet is meeting this morning with just hours to go until the Budget announcement. Finance Minister Michael Noonan is expected to announce an end to austerity - with no major new spending cuts to be introduced. He’ll also reveal much-anticipated changes to income tax - and signaled an end to the 'double Irish’ strategy used by multinationals to cut their tax bills. Among some of the other measures in the package it's also believed the price of a pack of cigarettes will increase by 20 cent, however alcohol is likely to be left alone. Around €200 million will be announced for social housing, and health is set to benefit from an increased budget, new teachers and gardaí will be hired, but the €250 hike in student registration fees will go ahead. AUDIO: These listeners have been telling RedFM News about their hopes and fears ahead of the budget. Click the PLAY button above to hear.

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